Octocrylene is an organic (chemical) sunscreen agent that absorbs UVB and short UVA radiation, and is also used to stabilize and solubilize other UV filters such as avobenzone. It is commonly incorporated into sunscreens and daily-care products with SPF.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Contact dermatitis / skin irritation | Uncommon | Localized redness, itching, or stinging on application. |
| Photoallergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Reported particularly in adults, sometimes linked to prior ketoprofen sensitization. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Documented in patch-test studies, more often in children with atopic dermatitis. |
| Systemic absorption | Common | Detectable in blood after use; clinical significance unclear and not equated with harm. |
| Benzophenone formation over time | Uncommon | Degradation can yield trace benzophenone; relevance to skin health under study. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.